M’lang, Cotabato (March 8, 2021)- The long wait is finally over for the medical workers and frontliners of Cotabato Province as the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out started this Monday simultaneously in it’s four Local Government Units (LGU’s), 2 days after vaccines arrived last Saturday, March 6.
Practitioners and workers assigned in COVID-19 referral facilities in the province received the first dose of SINOVAC vaccine against corona virus disease.
M’lang District Hospital (MDH) Chief Dr. Lilian Roldan together with Dr. Darylle Solangoy, a medical practitioner of the same hospital, were the first recipients of the vaccine during the said vaccine roll-out kick-off activity held at the Municipal Gymansium of M’lang, Cotabato. The same activity was also conducted in Midsayap, Kabacan, and Kidapawan City.
In her message, Dr.Roldan said, that the healthcare workers and frontliners of the MDH are ready for the implementation of the mass vaccination program and were eager to get the protection they need through vaccination.
“I am hopeful that this activity will encourage more North Cotabateńos not to be afraid of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 because the vaccines given underwent series of clinical trials,” she said.
In the province, a total of 441 vials of SINOVAC vaccines were given to four COVID referral hospitals in the province for their doctors, nurses, midwives and other hospital staff identified by the Department of Health based on the prioritization list of National Inter-Agency Task Force.
The said hospitals facilities who received the vaccines are the following: MDH, 128 vials, Pesante Hospital in Midsayap, 83 vials, Kidapawan City Hospital,137 vials, and Mindanao Doctors Hospital and Cancer Center in Kabacan, 93 vials.
A ray of hope amidst pandemic
Meanwhile, Cotabato Governor Nancy A. Catamco said that today’s kick-off activitybrings a new ray of hope to all North Cotabateńos as it signifies better and a more fruitful tomorrow for every family who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.
“Ang araw na ito ay nagbibigay ng bagong pag-asa, pag-asa na ang lahat ay babalik na sa normal. Marso 17 ng nakaraang taon ng magkaroon tayo ng lockdown marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nawalan ng pag-asa dahil sa krisis na dulot ng pandemiya, at ngayon heto tayo unti-unting bumabangon at nagpapasalamat dahil sa wakas meron ng bakuna kontra sa nakamamatay na COVID,” the governor said.
She also urged everyone to support the mass vaccination program of the government to attain the 70% herd immunity in order to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus. Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection against infectious disease by having sufficient population becoming immune to an infection through vaccination.
On the other hand, Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Eva C. Rabaya stressed during the activity that the provincial government will continue to conduct COVID-19 simulation activity and information dissemination campaign to inform the constituents of the province regarding the importance of being vaccinated.//pgo-idcd//
